The basic concept of how a mag train works is very simple. The train has magnets all along the underbody. Each magnet faces exactly the same way, with the poles all pointing in the same direction. As you know when playing with magnets, opposites attract and similar always want to distance themselves. The track on which the train travels is lined with these magnets, with matching poles facing the train. This creates a cushion of air between the train and the track. The forward motion of these magnetic trains lies in the magnetic propulsion of the track. The track is lined with magnets that can be quickly moved back and forth to attract and push the train. An electronic switch is connected to each magnet. All magnetic switches are computer controlled to accelerate or decelerate the train. Today's world has an ever-increasing need for higher speeds and shorter travel times, and Mag lev trains meet this demand. Maglev trains use superconducting magnets for their propulsion and can reach speeds of up to 550 kilometers per hour. Japan is at the forefront of Maglev technology. Japanese engineers have built a Maglev train known as MLX01 which is the fast train which reaches a speed of 552 kilometers per hour. There are currently two tracks for the MLX01 in Japan. One of them is described above. The Yamanashi Test Line is where most of the research and testing is done. The track extends for 42.8 km (26.6 miles). As previously stated, the MLX01 can reach speeds in excess of 550 km/h. However, its main purpose was to test and confirm the smallest radius curve and steepest slope and confirm a constant travel speed of 500 km/h (310 mph). Japan has a large number of high-speed trains. They hold the world speed record of any train with the MLX01, known as the "bullet train". Japan is one of the elite leading countries in technology, innovation and design. I can't wait to see more Mag lev creations from Japan. Germany has shown a lot of interest in Mag lev technology. They too are at the forefront of Maglev design and technology. The main high-speed line in Germany runs between Würzburg and Hanover, and part of the railway from Stuttgart to Frankfurt is high-speed, and there is a major high-speed line under construction that will run between Berlin and Hanover. The only high-speed line in Germany Italy runs between Florence and Rome, a non-stop service using Pendolini trains taking 1 hour 30 minutes with an average speed of just 103 mph, 165 km/h.